Company Registration
2 Week
Local Director?
Yes
Bank Account Opening
4 Weeks
Travel Required?
No
Excellent
Based on 87 reviews
Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- Mauritius has quickly become one of the top international financial centers, drawing in international investors and financial service institutions looking for a strong regulatory environment and strategic access to African and Asian markets. The Mauritius Investment Advisor License, which is regulated by the Financial Services Commission under the Securities Act 2005, has been growing in popularity among investment professionals and brokerage houses, with applications increasing consistently over recent years.
- Utilizing the jurisdiction’s favorable tax regime Global Business License (GBL) holders benefit from an effective rate of income tax as low as 3% many companies are opting to register company in Mauritius to take advantage of these benefits and grow their advisory operations globally. At Tetra Consultants, we guide clients through a smooth licensing and incorporation process, with complete compliance and effective setup for the investment advisory business in Mauritius.
- Our service package includes:
- Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- Register company in Mauritius
- Company secretary and registered agent requirement
- Nominee director and shareholder services
- Registered office address
Advantages of Mauritius Investment Advisor License
Alluring tax regime
- The license holder benefits from a partial exemption regime where 80% of gross revenue is exempt from tax and the remaining 20% is taxed at 15% with an effective tax rate of only 3%. This makes a huge difference to profitability for investment advisory firms operating within the Global Business License (GBL) regime.
Contemporary and adaptive regulatory framework
- Mauritius provides an up-to-date securities regime by the Securities Act 2005 and Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007, which is responsive to different business models and investor demands. This regime promotes innovation and maintains investor protection and compliance.
Reasonable capital and licensing requirements
- The minimum unimpaired stated capital is comparatively low at MUR 1 million, making it feasible for startups and well-established companies as well. Also, the process of licensing is effective, with moderate fees and time frames, enabling faster market entry.
Increased credibility and market trust
- Possessing an FSC-issued license in Mauritius is a mark of professionalism and compliance with high regulatory standards, thus enhancing client confidence and drawing in institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.
Access to a strategic international financial hub
- Mauritius’s geographically strategic position in an overlapping time zone for Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East enables licensed advisers to work on several continents in a single day. Mauritius also has a wide web of double taxation avoidance agreements with more than 43 countries, which increases the opportunities for cross-border investment.
Detailed authorized activities
- Licensees may offer various types of services such as corporate finance advisory, securities transaction advice, listing compliance, and mergers and acquisitions advisory. Such a wide range of services enables firms to diversify clients and service types.
Strong compliance and professional standards
- The Investment Advisor License demands adherence to rigorous compliance frameworks, such as client due diligence, risk management and professional indemnity insurance. This supports high ethical requirements and investor protection, which are essential for long-term business viability.
Aids in business setup and company registration
- The Mauritius Investment Advisor License is issued to organizations that are normally organized as Global Business Companies (GBCs), and thus it is easy to register company in Mauritius with Tetra Consultants and take advantage of the jurisdiction’s corporate and tax benefits.
Timeline for obtaining Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- The process of getting an Investment Adviser License in Mauritius with Tetra Consultants usually takes approximately 4 to 5 months, characterized by clearly outlined milestones to allow for a compliant and seamless setup. In the initial two weeks, upon successful completion of proper due diligence, our team completes the registration of the company in Mauritius. We also prepare key documents like the business plan, AML/CFT policy, and other compliance policies that are necessary for both license application and opening of a bank account during this time. Once the company is registered, the next 3 to 4 weeks are dedicated to opening a corporate bank account, an essential step for your business operations.
- As the corporate bank account opening is processed, our experts at the same time prepare the investment adviser license application to preclude any setbacks. After submission of the application, the Financial Services Commission would take around 3 to 4 months, depending on the complexity and adequacy of the submission, to review and grant the license. Upon granting the license, we will help you with the opening of a safeguarding account to hold client money securely. All through this process, Tetra Consultants offers one-stop support so that your investment advisory firm becomes fully compliant and operational in the vibrant financial environment of Mauritius.
Regulatory authorities for Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- The main regulatory body tasked with issuing and overseeing the Mauritius Investment Advisor License is the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius. The FSC is the single regulator for the non-banking financial services industry and international business in Mauritius. It regulates, licenses, and supervises investment advisers to ensure adherence to the legal framework, protection of investors, and market integrity. The FSC reviews applications, oversees continuous compliance, and imposes regulatory requirements on licensed institutions doing business in Mauritius’s financial sector.
- The Mauritius Investment Advisor License is administered primarily under the Securities Act 2005 and the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007. The laws stipulate the licensing requirements, approved activities, capital levels, and compliance requirements for investment advisers. Under Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005, it is an offence for any individual to provide investment adviser services or administer securities portfolios without being licensed by the FSC.
- The regulatory structure also comprises standards of fit and proper criteria, anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) policies, corporate governance, and client protection procedures. The further rules and circulars released by the FSC provide detailed guidelines on licensing processes, ongoing compliance, and reporting procedures. These ensure that licensed advisers operate within a robust and up-to-date securities regime.
Types of Mauritius Investment Advisor License
Investment adviser (unrestricted)
- This license permits the holder to carry on client portfolios of securities under mandate and give extensive investment advice on securities dealings, apart from corporate finance advisory. It is suitable for full-service advisory and asset management businesses that conduct discretionary portfolio management. The minimum unimpaired stated capital needed is MUR 600,000 (approximately US$13,000). This license allows a broad range of activities, including advising through various media and dealing directly with client assets.
Investment adviser (restricted)
- This license allows the holder to give investment advice on securities transactions but without client fund or portfolio discretionary management. It is appropriate for research companies, analysts, or consultants offering advisory services but not managing client assets. The minimum capital is less, at MUR 500,000 (approximately US$11,000).This license covers advisory services only and excludes portfolio management responsibilities.
Investment adviser (corporate finance advisory)
- This license is intended for corporations dealing in corporate finance issues such as mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, restructuring, and other strategic corporate transactions more than the typical investment instruments. It calls for a higher minimum unimpaired stated capital of MUR 1,000,000 (approximately US$22,000). The owners offer advisory on corporate finance and are subject to extra regulatory and compliance obligations tailored to this line of business.
Activities allowed under Mauritius Investment Advisor License
Portfolio management
- Administer client portfolios of securities on a discretionary mandate (where appropriate).
Investment advice
- Advise on transactions in securities using a range of communication media, including printed and electronic media.
Client solicitation
- Solicit clients to participate in transactions in securities and provide investment advisory services.
Research and analysis
- Prepare and offer investment research, market analysis, and recommendations concerning securities.
Compliance advisory
- Provide advisory services on compliance with securities legislation and regulations relating to investment activities.
Corporate finance advisory (if licensed)
- Offer advisory services regarding corporate finance issues like mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, restructuring, and listing compliance.
Preparation of reports and recommendations
- Prepare detailed investment reports and recommendations according to client requirements.
Process to obtain Mauritius Investment Advisor License
Step 1: Initial consultation and eligibility evaluation
- Tetra Consultants starts by learning about your business model and investment advisory services to identify the most appropriate kind of license-unrestricted or restricted-and comply with the Securities Act 2005 and associated regulations. Our specialists clarify the licensing requirements, minimum capital, and documentation to prevent delays or rejection.
Step 2: Company incorporation and structuring
- As the Mauritius Investment Advisor License must be issued to a corporation, Tetra Consultants helps incorporate a Mauritius company, most often a Global Business Company (GBC), which is a requirement for the application of the license. We draft the constitutional documents of the company, register them with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD), and make the corporate structure compliant with FSC requirements.
Step 3: Documentation and compliance material preparation
Tetra Consultants assists in preparing the entire set of documents required, which includes:
- Filled and signed Section 30 of the Securities Act application forms
- Board resolutions to authorize application signatories
- Certified copies of incorporation documents and constitution papers
- CVs with details, passport copies, and address proofs of directors, officers, and significant personnel
- Compliance manuals, internal procedures, and client agreements based on Mauritian law
- Financial projections and evidence of minimum capital
- Appointment and approval of an auditor who is registered with the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants.
Step 4: Fit and proper test for key personnel
- Tetra Consultants undertakes extensive due diligence and vetting of directors’, officers’, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) qualifications and backgrounds to ascertain that they are fit and proper according to the FSC’s requirements. We draft all the required questionnaires and supporting documentation to meet regulatory examination.
Step 5: Writing legal contracts and client agreements
- Our legal department prepares and vets client agreements and service contracts for compliance with Mauritius laws and FSC regulations. A legal certificate to the effect that the agreements are regulatory compliant is also issued, which is one of the required documents accompanying the Mauritius Investment Advisor License application.
Step 6: Application submission and liaising with FSC
- Tetra Consultants makes the full application package submission to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius on your behalf. We serve as the point of contact with the regulator, immediately reacting to any questions or requests for further information within the specified time frames to avoid application delay or rejection.
Step 7: Corporate bank account opening
- Once the Mauritius Investment Advisor License has been approved, Tetra Consultants helps with corporate bank account opening, such as segregated client accounts for dealing with client money independently of operational funds. We help you navigate the banking process so that you are onboard successfully and in line with banking requirements.
Requirements for Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- The applicant must be a legal entity.
- A minimum of 2 local directors. This can be fulfilled by the nominee director and shareholder services.
- A physical office with a telephone line.
- Minimum of 1 compliance officer with Mauritius residency.
- Minimum of 1 money laundering reporting officer (MLRO).
- Minimum of 1 Deputy MLRO.
- A detailed business plan.
- All key personnel including directors, officers, shareholders, beneficial owners, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) must satisfy fit and proper requirements under Section 20 of the Financial Services Act 2007.
- Detailed systems and procedures for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) must be in place.
- Appointment of an auditor approved by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and registered with the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA) is required.
- Evidence of professional indemnity insurance coverage with a quote from the insurer is required to cover potential liabilities arising from advisory services.
Documents required for Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- Completed and signed formal application form under Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005 specifically for the Investment Advisor License.
- Authority form with written and signed consent from each promoter, officer, and/or controller.
- Certified true copy of the board resolution authorizing two board members to sign the application (not applicable to Global Business Companies).
- Copy of the company’s constitution, duly dated and signed, accompanied by a legal certificate.
- Certified true copies of statutory incorporation documents filed with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD).
- Certified true copies of any other licenses or registrations held by the applicant.
- Details of share capital including certified true copies of statutory filings and confirmation that stated capital is fully paid.
- Detailed business plan covering:
- Background of directors, beneficial owners, and shareholders
- Business objectives, strategy, and detailed description of proposed investment advisory activities aligned with Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005
- Organization chart
- Target market and client profile
- Source of funding with documentary evidence
- Three years’ financial forecasts (Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet)
- Details on the securities on which advice will be provided, whether advice is binding or non-binding, and the means of delivery of advice.
- For individual shareholders, directors, beneficial owners, and officers:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Questionnaire (PQ) form
- Valid passport or National Identity Card copy
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or credit card statement not older than 6 months)
- For corporate shareholders or beneficial owners:
- Certificate of incorporation and current standing
- Certified true copies of licenses/registrations held
- List of controlling shareholders and directors
- Latest audited financial statements or corporate profile if audited accounts are unavailable
- Confirmation of holding Customer Due Diligence (CDD) documents on controlling shareholders
- For trusts:
- Certified true copy of the trust deed
- Name, date, and place of registration of the trust
- Indication of asset value held by the trust
- CDD documents on settler, trustee, and beneficiaries or confirmation of arrangements to obtain such documents
- For limited partnerships and sociétés, corresponding registration documents, financial statements, and CDD confirmations.
- Legal certificate confirming compliance with Section 72(1) of the Financial Services Act 2007 (applicable to Global Business Companies).
- Draft client agreement(s) with a legal certificate confirming compliance with Mauritian law, detailing scope of services and responsibilities aligned with the license sought.
- Copy of internal procedures and compliance manual, with legal confirmation of compliance with Mauritian laws.
- Detailed description of AML/CFT systems and procedures, including who will conduct client due diligence and confirmation that supporting documentation will be maintained at the registered office.
- Draft disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
- Procedures for complaints handling, including responsible persons and resolution timeframes.
- Description of conflict-of-interest management systems, especially where individuals hold multiple roles within the company.
- Details of IT infrastructure supporting operations, including data security and backup frequency.
- Details on how the applicant will comply with substance requirements as per FSC Circular Letter CL1-121018 dated 12 October 2018.
- Registered office address and draft lease agreement (if applicable).
- Indication of the financial year-end date of the applicant.
Cost for obtaining Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- Tetra Consultants provides a smooth and transparent process of getting your Investment Advisor License. We boast of having clear, upfront pricing with a full breakdown of all the related fees and costs at each step. Our team will walk you through the government-recommended application and annual fees imposed by the Financial Services Commission and any other costs involved in company incorporation, compliance documentation, and professional services.
- Our clients will get a detailed quotation that specifies regulatory fees, professional advisory fees, and third-party expenses so our clients do not have to worry about surprise expenses. This strategy enables you to prepare your finances with confidence while taking advantage of our experience and end-to-end assistance through the licensing process. With Tetra Consultants, you will get complete transparency and value-oriented service at each stage.
How can Tetra Consultants help with Mauritius Investment Advisor License?
- Tetra Consultants provides one-stop assistance for acquiring the Mauritius Investment Advisor License with an efficient and seamless process. Our professionals first guide you on the most appropriate license category and conduct company incorporation, after which they prepare all the documentation and manuals needed for compliance. We help appoint qualified directors, MLRO, and Deputy MLRO, and ensure your business plan and internal procedures are as per the Financial Services Commission’s requirements.
- After preparing and submitting the license application, we facilitate direct liaison with the FSC to resolve any queries in good time. With the license acquired, we facilitate opening operational as well as client bank accounts and assist your company with ongoing compliance, annual submissions, and updates from the regulatory authorities. By hiring Tetra Consultants, you enjoy open processes, regulatory expertise, and a successful track record in Mauritius financial licensing, so you can concentrate on your core business while we handle the intricacies of regulatory approval.
Looking to obtain Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- Contact us to know more about Mauritius Investment Advisor License and our team will revert to you in 24 hours.
FAQ:
Who needs to apply for Mauritius Investment Advisor License?
Can a foreign company apply for the license?
What are the fit and proper criteria?
Is a local Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) required?
Are there ongoing compliance requirements?
Can the license holder manage client funds?